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corrosive

adjective
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cor·​ro·​sive | \ kə-ˈrō-siv How to pronounce corrosive (audio) , -ziv\

Definition of corrosive

1 : tending or having the power to corrode corrosive acids corrosive action the corrosive effects of alcoholism
2 : bitingly sarcastic corrosive satire
Other Words from corrosive Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about corrosive

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Other Words from corrosive

corrosive noun
corrosively adverb
corrosiveness noun

Examples of corrosive in a Sentence

She argues that racism is dangerous and corrosive to society. a corrosive satire on the fashion industry and its movers and shakers
Recent Examples on the Web Instead, the events of the past week have only reinforced widespread fears among U.S. analysts over China’s corrosive influence on Western practices and norms. — Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, "China’s war with the NBA and the frailty of the liberal order," 9 Oct. 2019 Will the current impeachment inquiry have the same corrosive effect on support for President Trump? — Eric Schickler, The Conversation, "Investigations usually hurt a president’s public reputation – but Trump isn’t usual," 8 Oct. 2019 But the duo has also had a corrosive influence on other aspects of Trump’s presidency. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "The Kids Aren’t Alright," 3 July 2019 Ethanol is corrosive, and some critics believe that E15, with its 15% ethanol, can cause damage to cars. — Washington Post, "How Trump (and Iowa) Changed How You Fuel Your Car," 18 Sep. 2019 But hypergolics are exceedingly toxic and corrosive. — Time, "SpaceX's Starhopper Flight Test Is a Big Step Forward for Elon Musk's Moon Dreams," 28 Aug. 2019 The tunnel was restored to service, but corrosive substances from the saltwater remain in its concrete liner and bench walls, causing cracks and weakening the power system. — Washington Post, "Why a Rail Tunnel Under the Hudson River Is Stuck in Washington," 18 Sep. 2019 Around half of the desulphurization towers, used to clean out highly corrosive substances from the oil, have also been affected, according to Energy Aspects, a consultancy. — David Sheppard, Los Angeles Times, "Attack on Saudi facility exposes world economy’s ‘Achilles heel’," 16 Sep. 2019 The fact that the overall economy performed worse than anticipated is likely to increase concern about Brexit’s corrosive effect on the economy. — Washington Post, "UK economy shrinks for first time since 2012 as Brexit bites," 9 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'corrosive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of corrosive

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for corrosive

Middle English corrosif, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Medieval Latin corrōsīvus, from Latin corrōsus, past participle of corrōdere "to gnaw, corrode" + -īvus -ive

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Statistics for corrosive

Last Updated

11 Nov 2019

Time Traveler for corrosive

The first known use of corrosive was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for corrosive

corrosive

adjective
How to pronounce corrosive (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of corrosive

: causing damage to metal or other materials through a chemical process
: causing someone or something to become weak and damaged

See the full definition for corrosive in the English Language Learners Dictionary

corrosive

adjective
cor·​ro·​sive | \ kə-ˈrō-siv How to pronounce corrosive (audio) , -ziv\

Kids Definition of corrosive

: tending or able to destroy, weaken, or wear away little by little corrosive substances

corrosive

adjective
cor·​ro·​sive | \ -ˈrō-siv, -ziv How to pronounce corrosive (audio) \

Medical Definition of corrosive

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: tending or having the power to corrode corrosive acids a corrosive gas

Other Words from corrosive

corrosiveness noun

corrosive

noun

Medical Definition of corrosive (Entry 2 of 2)

: a substance that corrodes : caustic

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More from Merriam-Webster on corrosive

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for corrosive

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with corrosive

Spanish Central: Translation of corrosive

Nglish: Translation of corrosive for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of corrosive for Arabic Speakers

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